Bias Reporting

Conduct, Speech or Expression that negatively targets, intimidates, or threatens an individual or group due to race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities, as well as past/present history of mental disorders. This includes, but is not limited to, graffiti or images that harass or intimidate individuals or groups based on the above characteristics.

University Protocols and Procedures

Speech and Civility in a University Setting

The University of Connecticut values the freedom all members of our community have to express their opinions. It is only through such an environment that the educational values The University of Connecticut values the freedom all members of our community have to express their opinions. It is only through such an environment that the educational values of our institution can be attained and our community can thoughtfully engage in the continual discourse that is necessary for the process of discovery and the creation of new knowledge.

Bias related incidents, as defined in this protocol, are not tolerated at the University of Connecticut and individuals who are victims of bias related incidents may be protected through the Student Code and Connecticut laws related to discrimination, harassment or intimidation based on bigotry or bias. Not every act that might be offensive to an individual or a group will be considered as harassment and/or a violation of The Student Code. In cases where the Student Code may not apply, the University will still consider appropriate educational remedies. Such remedies are not designed to be punitive, but rather seek to explore the adverse impact of bias-related actions upon the values of the UConn community.

Reporting

The goal of the Bias Incident/Graffiti/Image Protocol reporting structure is to assure that there are designated places to report incidents.

Anyone can report  bias incidents/graffiti/images. When a student reports an act of bias to a designated office, the incident will be shared with one or more of the following offices.

  • Dean of Students Office
  • UConn Police Department or the State Police
  • Community Standards
  • Graduate Student & Postdoctoral Affairs (The Graduate School)
  • Office of Institutional Equity
  • Office for Diversity and Inclusion
  • Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs (AVPSA), via other relevant staff members.
  • Incidents may also be reported to Residential Life, Cultural Centers, or student organization advisors. Staff in these areas should report the incident to their supervisors.
  • Regional campus students should report to the Director of Student Services:
    • Avery Point (860) 405-9024
    • Hartford (860) 570-9083
    • Stamford (203) 251-8484
    • Waterbury (203) 236-9871

Education

Bias incidents/graffiti/images may indicate a need for education in our community in order to remedy harm done, and to provide opportunities for reflection and growth. Such educational efforts are not part of the investigation process and are not intended to be punitive.

Appropriate staff and faculty will work with students to plan timely, educational opportunities that are reflective of diverse learning styles, and address relevant issues from multiple perspectives.

Bias Reporting FAQ

What is a bias incident?

Conduct, Speech or Expression that negatively targets, intimidates, or threatens an individual or group due to race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities, as well as past/present history of mental disorders. This includes, but is not limited to, graffiti or images that harass or intimidate individuals or groups based on the above characteristics.

Who should report a bias incident?

Anyone can report a bias incident/graffiti or images using the online reporting form.

Why is it important to report a bias incident?

Bias incidents/graffiti/images may indicate a need for education in our community in order to remedy harm done, and to provide opportunities for reflection and growth. Such educational efforts are not part of the investigation process and are not intended to be punitive. Reporting bias incidents helps to ensure that members of our community receive necessary supportive resources.

What happens after a bias incident is reported?

When the University receives a report of an act of bias to a designated office, the incident will be shared with one or more of the offices listed below. Staff will review the report and take actions as appropriate. The actions include:

  • identify and provide support to impacted parties,
  • review incident to determine possible violations of the law and/or student code of conduct,
  • determine action steps to educate the impacted community and work to repair harm

Each report is reviewed individually and managed on a case-by-case basis.

Offices involved in the response process include but are not limited to:

  • Dean of Students Office
  • UConn Police Department or the State Police
  • Community Standards
  • Office of Institutional Equity
  • Office for Diversity and Inclusion
  • Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs (AVPSA), via other relevant staff members.
  • Incidents may also be reported to Residential Life, Cultural Centers, or student organization advisors. Staff in these areas should report the incident to their supervisors.
  • Regional campus students should report to the Director of Student Services:
    • Avery Point (860) 405-9024
    • Hartford (860) 570-9083
    • Stamford (203) 251-8484
    • Waterbury (203) 236-9800

How do I know that I am safe and the University is taking action? What can the university immediately do?

When an incident is reported, the University may offer interim measures as appropriate. Interim measures may include:

What does it mean for a bias incident to be “under investigation”?

When any incident occurs on campus and is under investigation, UCPD and the Office of Community Standards will review for any possible criminal and/or code violations. Frequently this includes interviews with impacted parties. If you are a complainant, UCPD will assign a lead investigator and a supervisor to investigate the incident and work closely with you. Community Standards will act similarly. Often during the beginning of an investigation, fact-finding is occurring which is not often shared publicly.

When an incident occurs off campus and is under investigation, the University will work with local law enforcement agencies.

What is the role of the University?

The bias response protocol is not a policy but a means by which the University can provide support to the community. The following policies are in place to enable the University to investigate the complaint and determine responsibility.

Responsibilities of Community Life: The Student Code

Employee Code of Conduct

Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence

Bias Reporting Form

Report An Incident

Make an Appointment

860-486-3426
dos@uconn.edu

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm

Please come for our Drop-Ins:  Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 1:00pm-3:00pm in Wilbur Cross room 203. Students who check-in by 3:00pm will be seen that day.

Wednesdays from 5:00pm-7:00pm in one of our Cultural Centers.pdf.

Thursdays from 9:00am-11:30am in Wilbur Cross room 203.  Students who check-in by 11:30am will be seen that day.

Wilbur Cross Building
2nd Floor, Room 203
233 Glenbrook Road
Storrs, CT


Regional Student Services Contacts

Avery Point Campus
Noemi Maldonado Picardi, Director of Student Services
Webx: https://uconn-cmr.webex.com/meet/nom98001
Schedule an appointment: nexus.uconn.edu

Hartford Campus
Christine Mosman, Associate Director of Student Services
Monique Nelson, Assistant Director of Student Services
hartford.studentservices@uconn.edu
10 Prospect Street, Rm 106
(959) 200-3743

Stamford Campus
Erica Granoff, Director of Student Services
Jose Luis Ramos, Assistant Director of Student Services
stamfordstudentservices@uconn.edu
1 University Place, Rm 302
(203) 251-8484

Waterbury Campus
Peter Tribuzio, Director of Student Services
Please email to make an appointment
peter.tribuzio@uconn.edu
UConn Waterbury
99 East Main Street
Student Services Suite, 2nd Floor